&sq=Facebook&lang=en&file=File:Gert_09-15-1999_1715Z.png) Gert near peak intensity on September 15 | |
| Meteorological history | |
|---|---|
| Formed | September 11, 1999 |
| Dissipated | September 23, 1999 |
| Category 4 major hurricane | |
| 1-minute sustained (SSHWS/NWS) | |
| Highest winds | 150 mph (240 km/h) |
| Lowest pressure | 930 mbar (hPa); 27.46 inHg |
| Overall effects | |
| Fatalities | 2 direct |
| Damage | $1.9 million (1999 USD) |
| Areas affected | Bermuda, Maine, Atlantic Canada |
| IBTrACS | |
Part of the 1999 Atlantic hurricane season | |
Hurricane Gert was the fourth of five major hurricanes in the moderately active 1999 Atlantic hurricane season. A Cape Verde hurricane, Gert formed on September 11 off the coast of Africa before heading west-northwest. It reached a peak wind speed of 150 mph (240 km/h) by September 15 over the open central Atlantic east-northeast of the Leeward Islands. It gradually curved to the northwest and later to the north, due to a weakness in the subtropical ridge created by Hurricane Floyd. Hurricane Gert passed east of Bermuda on September 21 and began a steady weakening trend at that time. It turned to the northeast, and on September 23, Gert transitioned into an extratropical cyclone to the southeast of Atlantic Canada before being absorbed by a larger storm.
For several days, Gert threatened to strike Bermuda, prompting the evacuation of tourists. Although Gert's center did not make landfall, it passed a short distance east of the island, producing hurricane-force winds that left 11,000 people without power. High waves swept two people out to sea at Acadia National Park in Maine. Later, strong waves struck Newfoundland and left heavy marine damage.